Hydraulic line attachment device and method

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic line attachment device is provided. The hydraulic line attachment device comprises a first assembly comprising a first frame constructed for holding a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member; and a second assembly comprising a second frame constructed for holding a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling member constructed to engage the first coupling member and align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers. At least one of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one of the first frame and the second frame and engage the other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member. The other of the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of the first assembly relative to the second assembly. A method for using a hydraulic line attachment device is provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/658,574 thatwas filed on Feb. 4, 2010. Application Ser. No. 12/658,574 is adivisional of application Ser. No. 11/397,863 that was filed on Apr. 3,2006, and which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,717,471 on May 18, 2010.Application Ser. No. 11/397,863 is a divisional of application Ser. No.10/773,566 that was filed on Feb. 6, 2004, and which issued as U.S. Pat.No. 7,021,668 on Apr. 4, 2006. The entire disclosures of U.S.application Ser. Nos. 12/658,574, 11/397,863 and 10/773,566 areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a hydraulic line attachment device and a methodfor using a hydraulic line attachment device. The hydraulic lineattachment device uses two assemblies, one of which is fixedly mountedto an environment using hydraulic lines to power hydraulic cylinders andthe other one movable including a handle to facilitate the relativemovement thereof and to attach the movable assembly to the fixedlymounted assembly to attach the hydraulic lines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hydraulic lines for powering hydraulic cylinders can be found on anumber of environments. Frequently, where hydraulic cylinders are found,hydraulic lines have been clustered for quick and easy attachment anddetachment. One example of an environment where clusters of hydrauliclines to power hydraulic cylinders are frequently found is a front-endloader. Typical front-end loaders have a pair of boom assemblies thathave rearward ends that pivotally attach to a tractor, and forward endsthat pivotally attach to buckets, clam shells, plow, fork lifts, balespears, etc. Hydraulic cylinders are provided for operating thefront-end loaders and the attachments. Some exemplary front end loadersusing hydraulic lines to power hydraulic cylinders are described by U.S.Pat. No. 3,512,665 to Westendorf; U.S. Pat. No. 4,085,856 to Westendorf;U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,811 to Langenfeld et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,051,962 toWestendorf; U.S. Pat. No. 4,606,692 to Langenfeld et al.; and U.S. Pat.No. 4,930,974 to Langenfeld et al., the disclosures of which are allincorporated herein by reference.

There have been efforts made to attach clusters of hydraulic lines moreeffectively, more quickly, and with less effort, one example beingprovided by the company, Faster®. The present invention is part of thecontinuing effort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A hydraulic line attachment device is provided according to theinvention. The hydraulic line attachment device includes a firstassembly and a second assembly. The first assembly includes a frame forholding first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member. Thesecond assembly includes a second frame for holding second hydrauliccouplers and a second coupling member. The second coupling member isconstructed to engage the first coupling member and align the firsthydraulic line couplers with the second hydraulic line couplers. Atleast one of the first coupling member and the second coupling memberincludes an arm that is constructed to engage at least one of the firstframe and the second frame and also engage the other coupling member.The other coupling member includes a cam that engages the arm to providetightening of the two assemblies together

A method for attaching a first set of hydraulic lines to a second set ofhydraulic lines is provided according to the invention. The methodincludes the step of connecting a plurality of first hydraulic linecouplers to a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers by connectingtwo assemblies. Each assembly includes a frame for holding hydraulicline couplers and for holding a coupling member. The coupling membersare constructed for engaging each other and aligning the two sets ofhydraulic line couplers. At least one of the two coupling membersincludes an arm that is constructed to engage at least one of the twoframes and also engage the other coupling member. The other couplingmember includes a cam that engages the arm to tighten the two assembliestogether for attaching the hydraulic lines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isolated perspective view of a first assembly of ahydraulic line attachment device according to the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2A is a side view of the first assembly of the hydraulic lineattachment device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an exploded side view of the first assembly of the hydraulicline attachment device of FIGS. 1 and 2A;

FIG. 3 is an isolated perspective view of a second assembly of thehydraulic line attachment device according to the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the second assembly of the hydraulic lineattachment device of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hydraulic line attachment deviceaccording to the principles of the present invention, illustrating thefirst assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4in an unengaged position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the hydraulic line attachment device accordingto the principles of the present invention, illustrating the firstassembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 in anunengaged position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the hydraulic line attachment device accordingto the principles of the present invention, illustrating the firstassembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 and the second assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 in anengaged position;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hydraulic line attachment device ofFIGS. 1-7, illustrated as being coupled to an environment in whichhydraulic lines to power hydraulic cylinders may be used;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the hydraulic line attachment device of FIGS.1-8, illustrated as being coupled to a tractor including a front-endloader;

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of ahydraulic line attachment device according to the principles of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic line attachment deviceof FIG. 10 in a partially engaged position;

FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic line attachment deviceof FIGS. 10 and 11 in a fully locked position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to hydraulic line attachment devices forconnecting clusters of hydraulic lines. The hydraulic line attachmentdevice can utilize a cam type arrangement to tighten two sets ofclusters of hydraulic lines together. The hydraulic line attachmentdevice can include two assemblies comprising intermating hydraulic linecouplers, the assemblies constructed to be tightened to each other. Afirst assembly can comprise a first frame constructed for holding aplurality of first hydraulic line couplers and a first coupling member.A second assembly can comprise a second frame constructed for holding aplurality of second hydraulic line couplers and a second coupling memberconstructed to engage the first coupling member and align the pluralityof first hydraulic line couplers with the plurality of second linecouplers. In the hydraulic line attachment device, at least one of thecoupling members comprises an arm constructed to engage at least one ofthe frames and engage the other coupling member. The other couplingmember comprises a cam that engages the arm to provide tightening of thefirst assembly relative to the second assembly. In certain embodiments,the cam type arrangement may include an arm comprising a shaft and a camcomprising a bushing. In other embodiments, the cam type arrangement mayinclude an arm comprising a hook member and a cam comprising a lockingpin.

The invention will now be described by reference to the several drawingfigures. The functional features of the invention can be embodied in anyof a number of specific configurations. It will be appreciated, however,that the illustrated embodiments are provided for descriptive purposesand should not be used to limit the invention.

FIGS. 1-8 illustrate one embodiment of a hydraulic line attachmentdevice 110 according to the principals of the present invention.

The hydraulic line attachment device 110 includes two assemblies. Whileit should be understood that both assemblies will be able to moverelative to each other, one of the assemblies may be fixedly coupled toan environment where hydraulic cylinders are found whereas the otherassembly may be movable relative to such environment. It should also beunderstood that both assemblies may be movable relative to anenvironment where hydraulic cylinders are used without being fixedlycoupled.

A first assembly of the hydraulic line attachment device 110 accordingto the invention is shown in FIGS. 1-2 at reference numeral 112. Asshown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the first assembly 112 includes a firstframe 114 constructed for holding a plurality of hydraulic linecouplers. The first frame 114 may comprise a plate 116. The plate 116can be manufactured out of any metal. While the plate 116 is illustratedin FIGS. 1-8 to have a rectangular cross-sectional shape when takenalong line A-A, the plate 116 can have any other cross-sectional shapewhen taken along line A-A, such as a circle, triangle, or any otherpolygon. The plate 116 includes an outer surface 118 and an innersurface 120. The two surfaces 118 and 120 are separated by a wall 122 ofcertain thickness. The thickness of the wall 122 can vary depending onthe application for which it is used. The wall 122 of the plate 116includes a circular hole 124 located in the center of the plate 116extending through the wall 122. The first assembly 112 may also includea bracket 123 for attaching the first assembly to an environment wherehydraulic cylinders are used, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and5-8. Although depicted as a rectangular flat piece of plate, the bracket123 may comprise any structure coupled to the first assembly 112configured to be used to attach the first assembly 112 to an environmentwhere hydraulic cylinders are used.

The first assembly 112 also includes a hollow cylindrical tubular sleeve126 coupled to outer surface 118 of the plate 116. The sleeve 126 can bemanufactured out of any metal. The sleeve 126 can be coupled to theplate 116 in a number of ways including welding, threading and etc. Thesleeve 126 is positioned on the plate 116 such that lies over thecircular hole 124. The sleeve 126 extends out from the outer surface 118of the plate 116 as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 5-8.

The first assembly 112 also includes a first coupling member 128. Thefirst coupling member 128 comprises an arm 129 depicted as a solidcylindrical shaft made up of two sections, a first section 130 and asecond section 132. The first section 130 of the shaft 129 includes afirst end 134 and the second section 132 of the shaft 129 includes asecond end 136.

The two sections of the shaft 129 include different diameters. Thediameter 138 of the first section 130 is sized to fit through thecircular hole 124 and is sized such that a substantial part of the firstsection 130 is slidably disposed within the sleeve 126, in a rotatablemanner with respect to the sleeve 126. The second section 132 of theshaft 129 extends out from the inner surface 120 as illustrated in FIGS.1, 2A, 2B, and 5-8. The second section 132 includes a diameter 140 sizedlarger than the diameter 138 of the first section 130 and the circularhole 124. The second section 132, therefore, is prevented from movingtransversely in a direction going from the inner surface 120 toward theouter surface 118. The second end 136 of the shaft 129 may comprise atapering nose 142, the purpose of which will be discussed in furtherdetail below.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 5-8, the first assembly 112 may alsoinclude a handle 144 coupled adjacent the first end 134 of the shaft129. The handle 144 is configured to rotate the shaft 129 within thesleeve 126. The handle 144 can be coupled to the shaft 129 in a numberof ways including welding, threading, and etc. The handle 144, whencoupled to the shaft 129, is configured to form a lip 146 extendingoutside the perimeter 148 of the sleeve 126 such that the handle 144prevents any transverse motion of the shaft 129 in a direction goingfrom the outer surface 118 to the inner surface 120. In this manner, thefirst section 130 of the shaft 129 is transversely captured between thehandle 144 and the second section 132 of the shaft 129.

The second section 132 of the shaft 129 may include a roll pin 150,which is seen in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 5-8 as two generally cylindricalrods 152 extending out radially from the shaft 129 adjacent the secondend 136. The roll pin 150 may be a one-piece member or may beconstructed of two separate cylindrical rods extending out radially fromthe shaft 129. If the roll pin 150 is a one-piece member, it may becoupled to the shaft 129 by being fit within a hole extending throughthe second section 132 of the shaft 129. A one-piece roll pin may becoupled to the shaft 129 with a frictional fit, by welding, by threadingor etc. If the roll pin 150 is made up of two pieces, the two pieces maybe coupled to the opposite sides of the shaft 129 by various waysincluding by welding, by friction, by threading or etc. The roll pin 150can also be configured such that only one piece extends out of the shaft129 from one side. The function of the roll pin 150 will be described infurther detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 5-8, the first assembly 112 includes aplurality of first hydraulic line couplers 154. The first hydraulic linecouplers 154 extend out from the inner surface 120 of the plate 116.Although illustrated as male couplers in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 5-8, aswill be evident from the disclosure, the plurality of first hydraulicline couplers 154 can also be female couplers. Moreover, thoughillustrated as being four in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 5-8, the number of thefirst hydraulic line couplers 154 can vary depending on the applicationthe hydraulic lines are used for. For example, conventional tractorswith front-end loaders usually have a pair of lines for a lift cylinderand a pair of lines for an attachment cylinder. It should be understoodthat the term “lift cylinder” is used to describe the cylinder on theloader assembly that has the function of raising and lowering the loaderassembly. It should also be understood that the term “attachmentcylinder” refers to the cylinder on the loader assembly with thefunction of operating the attachment. Although, a minimum of fourhydraulic line couplers are required for most conventional front-endloader applications, the number of couplers can vary depending upon theenvironment the hydraulic cylinders are used in.

The plate 116 of the first assembly 112 also includes first hydraulicline fittings 156 located on the opposite side of the wall 122 from thefirst hydraulic line couplers 154. The plurality of first hydraulic linecouplers 154 communicate with the first hydraulic line fittings 156through holes 158 extending through the wall 122 of the plate 116.

The first assembly 112 may also include a key rod 160 extending out fromthe inner surface 120 of the plate 116. The function of the key rod 160will be discussed in further detail below. The key rod 160, asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5, may include an essentially elongate,solid, cylindrical shaft 162. As will be evident from the disclosure,the key rod 160 may be an elongate member having any cross-sectionalshape. The key rod 160 may also be constructed as a hollow memberinstead of being solid. The key rod 160 may be manufactured from anymetal.

A second assembly of the hydraulic line attachment device 110 accordingto the invention is shown in FIGS. 3, 4 at reference numeral 162. Asshown in FIGS. 3, 4, the second assembly 162 includes a second frame 164constructed for holding a plurality of hydraulic line couplers. Thesecond frame 164 may comprise a second plate 166. The second plate 166can be manufactured out of any metal. While the second plate 166 isillustrated to have a rectangular cross-sectional shape when taken alongline B-B, the second plate 166 can have any other cross-sectional shapewhen taken along line B-B, such as a circle, triangle, or any otherpolygon. The second plate 166 includes a second outer surface 168 and asecond inner surface 170. The two surfaces 168 and 170 are separated bya second wall 172 of certain thickness. The thickness of the second wall172 can vary depending on the application for which it is used. Thesecond wall 172 of the second plate 166 includes a second circular hole174 located in the center of the second plate 166 extending through thesecond wall 172. The second wall 172 of the second plate 166 may alsoinclude a key way slot 176 shaped to receive the key rod 160 of thefirst assembly 112. Although, the key way slot 176 of the secondassembly 162 is illustrated as having a generally semicircular shape,the key way slot 176 can include any shape which is adapted to slidablyreceive the key rod 160 of the first assembly 112, which, as previouslydiscussed, can be of various shapes. The second assembly 162 may alsoinclude a bracket for attaching the second assembly to an environmentwhere hydraulic cylinders are used, as discussed for the first assembly112. The bracket may comprise any structure coupled to the secondassembly 162 configured to be used to attach the second assembly 162 toan environment where hydraulic cylinders are used.

The second assembly 162 also includes a second coupling member 178. Thesecond coupling member 178 comprises a cam 179 depicted as an elongatehollow bushing coupled to the second outer surface 168 of the secondplate 166. The bushing 179 can be manufactured out of any metal. Thebushing 179 can be coupled to the second plate 166 in a number of waysincluding welding, threading and etc. The bushing 179 is positioned onthe second plate such that it lies over the second circular hole 174.The bushing 179 extends out from the second outer surface 168 of thesecond plate 166.

The bushing 179 includes a bushing wall 180 of certain thickness and aninner bushing diameter 182. The inner bushing diameter 182 is sized suchthat the second section 132 of the shaft 129 of the first assembly 112can be slidably inserted into the bushing 179 and is rotatable withinthe bushing 179.

The thickness of the bushing wall 180 can vary depending on the bushingstrength desired. The bushing wall 180 includes at least one spiraltrack 184 as shown in FIGS. 3-8. The spiral track 184 extends throughthe bushing wall 180 and is configured to slidably receive the roll pin150 of the first assembly 112. Depending on the number of pieces of theroll pin 150 extending out of the shaft 129 of the first assembly, thenumber of spiral tracks 184 can vary accordingly. The length or theangle of the spiral of the track 184 can also be constructed to varydepending on the range of rotation the handle 144 of the first assembly112 is designed to cover, the details of which will be further discussedbelow.

The second assembly 162 includes a plurality of second hydraulic linecouplers 186. The second hydraulic line couplers 186 extend out from thesecond inner surface 170 of the second plate 166. Although illustratedas female couplers in FIGS. 3-8, as will be evident from the disclosure,the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers 186 can also be malecouplers, the orientation of the first hydraulic line couplers 154 andthe second hydraulic line couplers 186 being interchangeable. Also, asmentioned above, although illustrated as being four in FIGS. 3-8, thenumber of the second hydraulic line couplers 186 can vary depending onthe application the hydraulic lines are used for, as long as the numberof the second hydraulic line couplers 186 match the number of the firsthydraulic line couplers 154.

The second plate 166 of the second assembly 162 also includes secondhydraulic line fittings 188 located on the opposite side of the secondwall 172 from the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers 186. Theplurality of second hydraulic line couplers 186 of the second assembly162 communicates with the second hydraulic line fittings 188 throughholes 190 extending through the second wall 172 of the second plate 166.

At least one of the first assembly 112 and the second assembly 162 ofthe hydraulic line attachment device 110 may comprise a housing 189 forreceiving the other of the first assembly 112 and the second assembly162 therein, wherein the housing 189 is used for the purpose ofconcealing and providing protection for the hydraulic line couplers ofthe hydraulic line attachment device 110. The housing 189 is illustratedwith the use of ghost lines in FIG. 8.

In using the hydraulic line attachment device 110 for attachinghydraulic lines together, the second end 136 of the second section 132of the shaft 129 of the first assembly 112 is used to align theplurality of first hydraulic line couplers 154 with the plurality ofsecond hydraulic line couplers 186. The tapered nose 142 of the secondend 136 of the shaft 129 of the first assembly 112 is designed to easilyguide the second end 136 of the shaft 129 of the first assembly 112 intothe second frame 164 of the second assembly 162, wherein the second end136 of the second section 132 of the shaft 129 of the first assembly 112enters the bushing 179 of the second assembly 162. The key rod 160coupled to the frame 114 of the first assembly 112, if present, may alsobe used to align the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers 154 withthe plurality of second hydraulic line couplers 186 by slidablyinserting the key rod 160 through the key way slot 176 defined on theframe 164 of the second assembly 162.

With the handle 144 in an upright position as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and6, the second section 132 of the shaft 129 of the first assembly 112 isslid into the bushing 179 until the roll pin 150 of the shaft 129 of thefirst assembly 112 enters the spiral track 184 of the bushing 179 of thesecond assembly 162. Once the roll pin 150 enters the spiral track 184,rotation of the handle 144 of the first assembly 112 from an uprightposition downwardly causes the shaft 129, along with the roll pin 150,to rotate within the bushing 179. The rotation of the roll pin 150causes the bushing 179 to be linearly pulled toward the frame 114 of thefirst assembly as the rotation of the roll pin 150 is translated into apulling force having a linear component due to the angle of the spiraltrack 184 defined within the bushing wall 180. As the roll pin 150 isrotated, it is also slid within the spiral track 184 pulling the bushing179 and the entire second assembly 162 toward the first assembly 112 ina transverse direction. The roll pin 150 is slid within the spiral track184 with ease until the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers 154makes contact with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers 186,at which point, the handle 144 is further rotated to cause the twopluralities of hydraulic line couplers 154 and 186 to interlock. Thehydraulic line couplers 154 and 186 may interlock in various waysincluding a locking mechanism comprising ball bearings. As FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate, when the two assemblies 112 and 162 are completelytightened, the handle 144 of the first assembly 112 ends up in acompletely downward position, 180 degrees from where it started. In thismanner, the weight of the handle 144 assists in keeping the twoassemblies 112 and 162 in an interlocked position since a disengagementforce would have to oppose the gravitational pull. However, as mentionedbefore, the length or the angle of the spiral of the track 184 can varydepending on the range of rotation the handle 144 of the first assembly112 is designed to cover. As the length of the spiral track 184 isincreased, the handle 144 will have a correspondingly increased range ofrotation since the roll pin 150 will be allowed to slide along a furtherpath.

A diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a hydraulic line attachmentdevice 210 according to the principles of the invention is illustratedin FIGS. 10-12.

The hydraulic line attachment device 210 includes two separateassemblies. While it should be understood that both assemblies will beable to move relative to each other, one of the assemblies may befixedly coupled to an environment where hydraulic cylinders are foundwhereas the other assembly may be movable relative to such environment.It should also be understood that both assemblies may be movablerelative to an environment where hydraulic cylinders are used withoutbeing fixedly coupled.

A first assembly of the hydraulic line attachment device 210 accordingto the invention is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 10-12 at referencenumber 212. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first assembly 212 includesa first frame 214 constructed for holding a plurality of hydraulic linecouplers. The first frame 214 may comprise a hook plate 216. The hookplate 216 can be manufactured out of any metal. While the hook plate 216can have any cross-sectional shape such as a rectangle, circle,triangle, or any other polygon as was discussed for the hydraulic lineattachment device 110 according to the invention. The hook plate 216includes an outer surface 218 and an inner surface 220. The two surfaces218 and 220 are separated by a wall 222 of certain thickness. Thethickness of the wall 222 can vary depending on the application forwhich it is used. The first assembly 212 may also include a bracket forattaching the first assembly to an environment where hydraulic cylindersare used, as previously discussed for the hydraulic line attachmentdevice 110. The bracket may comprise any structure coupled to the firstassembly 212 configured to be used to attach the first assembly 212 toan environment where hydraulic cylinders are used.

The first assembly 212 also includes a first coupling member 224. Thefirst coupling member 224 comprises an arm 226 depicted as a solid hookmember coupled to the first frame 214. The hook member 226 extends outfrom the inner surface 220 of the hook plate 216. The hook member 226can be manufactured out of any metal and can be coupled to the hookplate 216 in a number of ways including welding, threading and etc.

As shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 10-12, the first assembly 212includes a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers, collectivelyrepresented by the reference number 228. The first hydraulic linecouplers 228 extend out from the inner surface 220 of the plate 216.Although illustrated as male couplers in FIGS. 10-12, as previouslydiscussed for the hydraulic line attachment device 110, the plurality offirst hydraulic line couplers 228 can also be female couplers. Moreover,although only one hydraulic line coupler 228 illustrated in FIGS. 10-12for diagrammatic purposes, the number of the first hydraulic linecouplers 228 can vary depending on the application the hydraulic linesare used for, as previously discussed for the hydraulic line attachmentdevice 110. The first hydraulic line couplers 228 are adapted tocommunicate with hydraulic line fittings through the wall 222 aspreviously discussed for the hydraulic line attachment device 110.

A second assembly of the hydraulic line attachment device 210 accordingto the invention is shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 10-12 at referencenumeral 230. As shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 10-12, the secondassembly 230 includes a second frame 232 constructed for holding aplurality of hydraulic line couplers. The second frame 232 may comprisea pivot plate 234 and a cam plate 236. The pivot plate 234 and the camplate 236 can be manufactured out of any metal. The pivot plate 234 andthe cam plate 236 can have any cross-sectional shape such as arectangle, circle, triangle, or any other polygon, as was mentioned forthe first assembly 212. The second assembly 230 may also include abracket for attaching the second assembly to an environment wherehydraulic cylinders are used, as discussed for the first assembly 212.The bracket may comprise any structure coupled to the second assembly230 configured to be used to attach the second assembly 230 to anenvironment where hydraulic cylinders are used.

The cam plate 236 includes an outer surface 237 and an inner surface239. The two surfaces 237 and 239 are separated by a wall 241 of certainthickness. The thickness of the wall 241 can vary depending on theapplication for which it is used. The wall 241 of the cam plate 236includes a slot 243 extending therethrough configured to receive thehook member 226 of the first assembly 212. The cam plate 236 alsoincludes a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers, collectivelyrepresented by the reference number 245. The second hydraulic linecouplers 245 extend out from the inner surface 239 of the cam plate 236.Although illustrated as female couplers in FIGS. 10-12, as discussed forthe hydraulic line attachment device 110, the plurality of secondhydraulic line couplers 245 can also be male couplers, the orientationof the first hydraulic line couplers 228 and the second hydraulic linecouplers 245 being interchangeable. Moreover, although only onehydraulic line coupler 245 is illustrated in FIGS. 10-12 fordiagrammatic purposes, the number of the second hydraulic line couplers245 can vary depending on the application the hydraulic lines are usedfor, as previously discussed for the first assembly 212.

The cam plate 236 of the second assembly 230 also includes hydraulicline fittings 247 located on the opposite side of the wall 241 from theplurality of second hydraulic line couplers 245. The plurality of secondhydraulic line couplers 245 of the second assembly 230 communicates withthe hydraulic line fittings 247 through holes 249 extending through thewall 241 of the cam plate 236.

The plurality of second hydraulic line couplers 245 of the secondassembly, depicted diagrammatically as female couplers, compriseconventional ball bearing assemblies 251 that comprise locking balls 253that are configured to provide an interlocking arrangement with thefirst hydraulic line couplers 228, depicted diagrammatically as malecouplers in FIGS. 10-12.

The locking balls 253 are constructed to move radially around theperimeter of the female couplers when the female couplers engage malecouplers. As diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 10-12, the lockingballs 253 are adapted to fit into a slot 254 located around theperimeter of the male couplers 228 of the first assembly 212 when thetwo sets of couplers are engaged. The ball bearing locking arrangement251 is only one example of the types of locking arrangements used toconnect hydraulic lines. Other types of arrangements are commonly knownin the art and can be used according to the principles of the inventionwithout departing from the spirit and scope.

The pivot plate 234 of the second assembly 230 includes an outer surface238 and an inner surface 240. The two surfaces 238 and 240 are separatedby a wall 242 of certain thickness. The thickness of the wall 242 canvary depending on the application for which it is used. The wall 242 ofthe pivot plate 234 includes a slot 244 extending therethroughconfigured to receive the hook member 226 of the first assembly 212. Thewall 242 of the pivot plate also includes a hole 255 extendingtherethrough configured to receive through it the second hydraulic linecoupler 245 that is fixedly coupled to the cam plate 236.

The pivot plate 234 comprises a pivot anchor 246 fixedly coupled to thepivot plate 234. The pivot anchor 246 extends out from the inner surface240 of the pivot plate 234. The pivot anchor 246 can be manufactured outof any metal and can be coupled to the pivot plate 234 in a number ofways including welding, threading and etc.

The pivot anchor 246 is configured to be received through a hole 256extending through the wall 241 of the cam plate 236. The pivot anchor246 comprises a pivot end 259. The pivot anchor 246 includes a hole 262adjacent the pivot end 259 constructed for receiving a pivot pin 258.The pivot anchor 246 also includes a sideslot 252 configured to accept alocking pin 264.

The pivot plate 234 also comprises a collar portion 260 shaped as ahollow cylindrical tubular sleeve that extends out from the outersurface 238 as illustrated in FIGS. 10-12. The collar portion 260 can bemanufactured out of any metal. The collar portion can be coupled to thepivot plate 234 in a number of ways including welding, threading andetc. The collar portion is positioned on the pivot plate 234 such thatit lies over the hole 255 constructed to receive the second hydraulicline coupler 245.

The second assembly 230 also includes a second coupling member 248. Thesecond coupling member 248 comprises a cam 250 depicted as including ahandle 257. The cam 250 is constructed to be coupled to the pivot anchor246 by way of a pivot pin 258 that extends through the hole 262 locatedadjacent the pivot end 259 of the pivot anchor 246. The pivot pin 258allows the cam 250 to be rotatably fixed to the pivot anchor 246.

The cam 250 also includes a locking pin 264 configured to be used toengage the hook member 226 after the hook member 226 has been insertedthrough the slot 244 of the pivot plate 234 and the slot 243 of the camplate, respectively. The locking pin 264 of the cam 250 is constructedto rest in the sideslot 252 of the pivot anchor 246 when the cam 250 isin an unlocked position as seen diagrammatically in FIGS. 10 and 11.

The second assembly 230 also includes a spring member 266 positionedbetween the pivot plate 234 and the cam plate 236. The spring member230, although depicted as an elastomeric member, can be constructed ofany configuration or material adapted to provide a separation force onthe pivot and cam plates 234, 236, to cause relative separation of thetwo plates.

As mentioned for the hydraulic line attachment device 110, at least oneof the first assembly 212 and the second assembly 230 of the hydraulicline attachment device 210 may comprise a housing for receiving theother of the first assembly 212 and the second assembly 230 therein,wherein the housing is used for the purpose of concealing and providingprotection for the hydraulic line couplers of the hydraulic lineattachment device 210.

In using the hydraulic line attachment device 210 for attachinghydraulic lines together 210, the hook member 226 of the first assembly212 is first inserted through the slots 244, 243 on the walls 242, 241of the pivot plate 234 and the cam plate 236, respectively. In thismanner, the hook member 226 is used to align the plurality of firsthydraulic line couplers 228 of the first assembly 212 with the pluralityof second hydraulic line couplers 245 of the second assembly 230. As thehook member 226 is inserted through the slots 244 and 243, the firsthydraulic line couplers, depicted as male couplers 228, start to enterinto the second hydraulic line couplers, depicted as female couplers245. Thereafter, the cam 250 is rotated about the pivot pin 258 with theuse of the handle 257 such that the locking pin 264 catches the hookmember 226 to pull the female couplers 245 further onto the malecouplers 245 such that the locking balls 253 of the second hydraulicline couplers 245 fit within the slot 254 of the male couplers 228. Thelocking balls 253, as previously mentioned, are constructed to radiallymove in the outwardly direction and then in the inwardly direction tofit within the slot 254 as the female couplers 245 are brought over themale couplers 228. The cam 250 is illustrated in an unlocked position inFIGS. 10 and 11 and is illustrated in a locked position in FIG. 12 afterhaving been rotated about pivot pin 258.

The rotation of the cam 250 about the pivot pin 258, also, at the sametime as pulling the first assembly 212 toward the second assembly 230,allows the pivot plate 234 and the cam plate 236 to separate apartbecause of the spring force provided by the spring member 266. Therelative movement between the pivot plate 234 and the cam plate 236brings the collar portion 260 of the pivot plate 234 over the lockingballs 253 to capture the locking balls 253 within the slot 254 in themale couplers 228, as shown in FIG. 12. In this manner, the femalecoupler 245 is fully locked around the male coupler 228. The lockingballs 253 are prevented from moving radially outwardly to disengage fromthe slot 254 because of the collar portion 260 of the pivot plate 234.

The rotation of the cam 250 allows the two plates 234 and 236 toseparate from each other because of the shape of the cam 250. The cam250 is shaped such that the distance D between the pivot pin 258 and theouter surface 237 of the cam plate 236 is initially longer when the cam250 is in an unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 10, than when it is ina locked position, as shown in FIG. 12. When the cam 250 is rotated to alocked position as seen in FIG. 12, the amount the distance D betweenthe pivot pin 258 and the outer surface 237 of the cam plate 236 isdecreased in the same amount the distance between the two plates 234 and236 is increased when the two plates are separated from each other dueto the spring force provided by the spring member 266. The collarportion 260 of the pivot plate 234, moving with the plate, therefore, isbrought over the locking balls 253 of the female coupler 245 to capturethe locking balls 253 within the slot 254 around the male coupler 228.

The rotation of the cam 250 also causes the hook plate 216 to be pulledtoward the second assembly 230 due to the shape of the cam 250. Thelocking pin 264, initially positioned inside the sideslot 252 of thepivot anchor 246 between the pivot pin 258 and the outer surface 237 ofthe cam plate 236, is rotated away from the outer surface 237 of the camplate 236, thereby, contacting and pulling the hook member 226 of thefirst assembly 212 toward the second assembly 230. In this manner, therotation of the cam 250 simultaneously causes a relative movementbetween the two assemblies 212 and 230 and a relative movement betweenthe pivot plate 234 and the cam plate 236 of the second assembly 230 toattach and fully lock hydraulic lines together.

As FIGS. 10-12 illustrate, when the two assemblies 212 and 230 arecompletely tightened, the handle 257 coupled to the cam 250 ends up in acompletely downward position, approximately 90 degrees from where itstarted. In this manner, the weight of the handle 257, along with thespring force provided by the spring member 266 against the plates 234and 236, assists in keeping the two assemblies 212 and 230 in aninterlocked position.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

We claim:
 1. A hydraulic line attachment device comprising: (a) a firstassembly comprising a first frame, a plurality of first hydraulic linecouplers, and a first coupling member; (b) a second assembly comprisinga second frame, a plurality of second hydraulic line couplers, and asecond coupling member; (c) the plurality of first hydraulic linecouplers and the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers areconstructed so that they are closed to flow of hydraulic fluidtherethrough when disengaged, and open to flow of hydraulic fluidtherethrough when engaged; (d) at least one of the first coupling memberand the second coupling member comprises a shaft, the shaft beingconstructed to engage the other of the first coupling member and thesecond coupling member, and wherein the other of the first couplingmember and the second coupling member comprises a cylinder, wherein thecylinder engages the shaft so that as a result of rotation between theshaft and the cylinder, the plurality of first hydraulic line couplersand the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers are engaged or aredisengaged depending on the direction of rotation; (e) wherein the shaftcomprises a first pin and a second pin extending therefrom, and thecylinder comprises a first spiral track constructed to receive the firstpin and a second spiral track constructed to receive the second pin, andwherein the first spiral track comprises a first groove in the cylinderand the second spiral track comprises a second groove in the cylinder sothat the first pin engages the first groove and the second pin engagesthe second groove; and (f) a handle coupled to one of the first couplingmember or the second coupling member so that moving the handle causesengagement and disengagement of the plurality of first hydraulic linecouplers and the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers.
 2. Ahydraulic line attachment device according to claim 1, wherein at leastone of the first assembly and the second assembly is attached to a motorvehicle, and wherein the other of the first assembly and the secondassembly is coupled to hydraulic lines attached to a front-end loader.3. A hydraulic line attachment device according to claim 1, wherein eachframe is constructed for holding at least four hydraulic line couplers.4. A hydraulic line attachment device according to claim 1, wherein thehandle causes the shaft to rotate within the cylinder.
 5. A hydraulicline attachment device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality offirst hydraulic line couplers are constructed to interlock with theplurality of second hydraulic line couplers by a ball bearingarrangement.
 6. A hydraulic line attachment device according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the first assembly or the second assemblycomprises a bracket for attaching to a motor vehicle.
 7. A method forusing a hydraulic line attachment device, the method comprising: (a)engaging a plurality of first hydraulic line couplers to a plurality ofsecond hydraulic line couplers to provide flow of hydraulic fluidthrough the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and the pluralityof second hydraulic line couplers for powering at least one hydrauliccylinder, wherein: (i) a first assembly comprises a first frame, theplurality of first hydraulic line couplers, and a first coupling member,and a second assembly comprises a second frame, the plurality of secondhydraulic line coupler, and a second coupling member; (ii) at least oneof the first coupling member and the second coupling member comprises ashaft, and the other of the first coupling member and the secondcoupling member comprises a cylinder, and rotation between the shaft andthe cylinder, causes the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers andthe plurality of second hydraulic line couplers to move toward or awayfrom each other depending on the direction of rotation, whereinengagement between the cylinder and the shaft comprises a pin engaging aspiral track, wherein the shaft comprises a first pin and a second pinextending therefrom, and the cylinder comprises a first spiral trackconstructed to receive the first pin and a second spiral trackconstructed to receive the second pin, and wherein the first spiraltrack comprises a first groove in the cylinder and the second spiraltrack comprises a second groove in the cylinder so that the first pinengages the first groove and the second pin engages the second groove;(iii) a handle coupled to one of the first coupling member or the secondcoupling member so that rotating the handle in a first direction causesengagement of the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers and theplurality of second hydraulic line couplers; and (b) disengaging theplurality of first hydraulic line couplers from the plurality of secondhydraulic line couplers by rotating the handle in a direction reverse tothe first direction.
 8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the firstdirection and the direction reverse to the first direction are in aplane perpendicular to an axis of movement of the plurality of firsthydraulic line couplers and the plurality of second hydraulic linecouplers when moving into or out of engagement.
 9. A method according toclaim 8, wherein the plane crosses the axis.
 10. A method according toclaim 7, wherein the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers areattached to hydraulic lines containing hydraulic fluid therein, and theplurality of second hydraulic line couplers are attached to hydrauliclines containing hydraulic fluid therein.
 11. A method according toclaim 10, wherein the step of engaging comprises overcoming the weightof the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic lines.
 12. A method according toclaim 7, wherein at least one of the first assembly and the secondassembly is attached to a motor vehicle, and wherein the other of thefirst assembly and the second assembly is coupled to hydraulic linesattached to a front end loader.
 13. A method according to claim 7,wherein the plurality of first hydraulic line couplers are constructedto interlock with the plurality of second hydraulic line couplers by aball bearing arrangement.
 14. A method according to claim 7, furthercomprising: (a) flowing hydraulic fluid through the plurality of firsthydraulic line couplers and the plurality of second hydraulic linecouplers for moving hydraulics cylinders after the step of engaging andbefore the step of disengaging.
 15. A hydraulic line attachment deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first pin consists of a firstcylindrical rod extending radially from the shaft and the second pinconsist of a second cylindrical rod extending radially from the shaft.16. A hydraulic line attachment device according to claim 15, whereinthe first cylindrical rod and the second cylindrical rod are a one piecemember.
 17. A hydraulic line attachment device according to claim 15,wherein the first cylindrical rod and the second cylindrical rod are twoseparate cylindrical rods.
 18. A method according to claim 7, whereinthe pin consists of a first cylindrical rod extending radially from theshaft and the second pin consists of a second cylindrical rod extendingradially from the shaft.
 19. A method according to claim 18, wherein thefirst cylindrical rod and the second cylindrical rod are a one piecemember.
 20. A method according to claim 18, wherein the firstcylindrical rod and the second cylindrical rod are two separatecylindrical rods.